Cane Rail Maintenance Worker/Tamper Operator

MSF Sugar PTY LTD; Innisfail; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

MSF Sugar, based in Far North Queensland, is seeking a Cane Rail Maintenance Worker/Tamper Operator to join the team for the remainder of the 2026 Crushing Season on a fixed-term, full-time basis at the South Johnstone Mill.

The role involves maintenance on cane rail track, bridges and vegetation control, plus responding to derailments, with on-call duties during the Crushing Season and a focus on safety and efficient rail operations.

Qualifications

• A valid MR Class Driver’s Licence is essential.
• Trade qualification is advantageous but not essential.
• Tickets for tractors/slashers, backhoes, excavators and front-end loader are desirable.
• Understanding of cane rail operations will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Attend and rectify cane bin derailment faults and rail line faults in a timely manner.
• Participate in a rotating on-call roster during the Crushing Season for after-hours incidents.
• Attend and perform inspections on track and bridges post-incident (derailments, floods, etc.).
• Drive company vehicles to and from worksites.
• Set up and operate equipment safely and efficiently.
• Perform bridge repairs and maintenance, replace sleepers and rail lines.
• Install and maintain fixed rail signage; direct and operate earthmoving equipment.
• Perform light to heavy manual labour with hand tools.
• Conduct rail inspections and safety audits.

Skills

MR Driver's Licence

Tractor/Slasher tickets

Backhoe tickets

Excavator tickets

Front-end Loader tickets

Cane rail operations knowledge

Mobile Crane HRWL

Working at Heights HRWL

Education

Trade qualification

Tools

Rail operation tools

Job description

Cane Rail Maintenance Worker/Tamper Operator

MSF Sugar is a leading Australian sugar producer and renewable energy. With over 125 years of history, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking company focused on operational excellence, sustainability and innovation. Based in Far North Queensland and part of the global Mitr Phol Group, we operate three sugar mills, extensive farming assets, and a renewable power station producing green energy from bagasse.

The Role

MSF Sugar invite applications for the position of a Cane Rail Maintenance Worker/Tamper Operator to join the team for the remainder of the 2026 Crushing Season on a Fixed-Term, Full-time basis.

Located at our South Johnstone Mill, the Cane Rail Maintenance Worker/Tamper Operator will be working as part of a team, covering our rail network. You will be required to perform maintenance work on cane rail track, bridges, vegetation control and respond to call outs for cane bin derailments during the remainder 2026 cane crushing season.

The Responsibilities

Some of the key responsibilities will include:

• Attend and rectify cane bin derailment faults and rail line faults in a timely manner.
• Participating in a rotating on-call roster during the Crushing Season for after-hours incidents
• Attend and perform inspections on track and bridges post incident i.e.: derailments, flooding events etc.
• Driving company vehicles to and from worksites
• Setting up and using equipment safely and efficiently
• Performing bridge repairs and maintenance
• Replacing sleepers, rail lines, and associated fixings
• Installing and maintaining fixed rail signage
• Directing and operating earthmoving equipment
• Performing light to heavy manual labour, including the use of hand tools
• Conducting rail inspections and safety audits

The ideal candidate will have:

• A valid MR Class Driver’s Licence
• A trade qualification would be an advantage but not essential
• Tickets and experience with tractors/slashers, backhoes, excavators, and front-end loader tickets
• Understanding of cane rail operations will be advantageous
• Mobile Crane HRWL
• Working at Heights HRWL

What We Offer

At MSF Sugar, we are proud to offer a supportive and inclusive work environment with opportunities for career growth and development. Our comprehensive benefits package includes competitive remuneration, flexible work arrangements, ongoing training and access to wellbeing initiatives. We are committed to fostering a diverse and high-performing team that is passionate about driving the success of our organisation.

Applicants will be required to complete pre-employment Drug and Alcohol testing as part of our recruitment process.

For more information, please contact Robert Haren, email***********@msfsugar.com.au.